Hunger Protest: “We Are Forced to Share Rooms Due to Lack of Customers” – Kano Sex Workers Urge Authorities to Relax Curfew

Commercial sex workers in Kano State have expressed deep concern over the sharp decline in patronage due to the ongoing nationwide hunger protests. The protests, which have disrupted socio-economic activities across the state, have left these workers struggling to survive.

Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), several sex workers lamented the severe impact the protests have had on their livelihoods, with many of them unable to find customers.

Monica James, who operates on France Road, emphasized the dire situation, stating, “I have not eaten for two days because of the curfew; our customers are nowhere to be found.” She urged the protest organizers to engage in dialogue with the Federal Government as the only viable solution to end the crisis.

Echoing her sentiments, Deborah Iliya, a sex worker on Yoruba Road, described the situation as “horrible,” revealing that the protests have made it nearly impossible to attract clients. Similarly, Hannatu Ibrahim from the Weather Head area called for an immediate end to the demonstrations, urging a return to normalcy.

Caroline James, another sex worker based at a brothel on Enugu Street in Sabon Gari, highlighted the devastating impact of the unrest. “The infiltration of hoodlums and subsequent violence spoiled our business,” she said. Caroline shared that she had secured clients willing to pay between N30,000 and N40,000, but they were unable to keep their appointments due to the heightened tension and curfew.

Some workers, preferring to remain anonymous, disclosed that they were forced to share rooms due to the lack of customers. They appealed to the authorities to relax the curfew, stressing that it had severely affected their ability to work.

The ripple effects of the protests have also been felt in other businesses. A bar attendant, Moses John, reported that hotels and bars in Sabon Gari have seen a drastic drop in sales due to the absence of customers. Kenneth John, a dealer in goat head (Esi Ewu) on Aitken Road, also lamented significant losses, noting that he had lost several goats due to the ongoing power supply issues exacerbated by the curfew.

As the protests continue, the call for dialogue and resolution grows louder from all affected sectors in Kano.